Apple has launched watchOS 11.6.1, bringing back the Blood Oxygen app function. The feature was missing on Apple Watches since the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Watch Ultra 2 units sold inside the US. The company had to terminate the feature after running into a patent dispute with a medical tech company, Masimo.
Till now, when users tried to access the Blood Oxygen app, they would receive the message “The Blood Oxygen app is no longer available. Learn more in the Health app on your iPhone.”
The WatchOS 11.6.1 brings the app with some redesign. Now, the health metrics have been shifted from the watch itself to the paired iPhone. The company also brings a similar feature on the latest iOS 18.6.1 update.
As the dispute with Masimo boiled over, there was even news that Apple might halt Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 sales. However, Apple has still been able to ‘soft-launch’ the service for its users.
Apple relaunches Blood Oxygen app with watchOS 11.6.1
The processing of the measurements takes place on the paired iPhone. The results are then displayed on the Health app. Still, the sensor on the Apple Watch gathers the necessary data. Not all users would prefer this way. However, something is better than nothing.
Which Apple Watches get the Blood Oxygen feature?
According to Apple, Watch Series 9, Watch Series 10, and Watch Ultra 2 users in the US now get the Blood Oxygen feature. But what you should also learn is that the app restoration is for users in the US.
In its press statement, the company said, “Users with these models in the U.S. who currently do not have the Blood Oxygen feature will have access to the redesigned Blood Oxygen feature by updating their paired iPhone to iOS 18.6.1 and their Apple Watch to watchOS 11.6.1.”
The Blood Oxygen measurement lets users of the Apple Watch check oxygen level in their blood oxygen level. It lets them know the percentage of oxygenated red blood cells in their body.
Apple is still in a patent battle with Masimo for the feature. So, it’s not the fully fledged and intended way of providing the service. However, the workaround still does a service to the users who have been missing a feature for a year or more.
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How to get watchOS 11.6.1?
Eligible users can get watchOS 11.6.1 on the Watch app on iPhone through General > Software Update after installing iOS 18.6.1. After the update, users may get an OTA file to activate the blood oxygen feature. The entire process may take around 24 hours.
